Caño Island:
Caño Island and the Osa Peninsula coast are a part of a mammoth (Rio Sierpe, Rio Terraba, Caño Island) marine ecosystem. More than one hundred thousand acres of mangrove wetlands and one thousand miles of fresh and salt water rivers, estuaries and tributaries interact with the Pacific ocean through tides which provide for an incredible abundance of marine life. This area of the Pacific is south of the trade winds and therefore characterized by gentle swells and breezes. 
Divers explore several sites around the small island of Caño. Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters. Perhaps the most memorable encounters occur with the pelagics that inhabit the area. Schools of  mobula rays (devil rays), turtles, and white tip reef sharks can be seen on many dives. On almost every dive, the large schools of fish swimming around and overhead can be breathtaking. Sometimes the numbers are so great that sunlight can actually be blocked by these large schools of fish, creating an underwater eclipse. Although not as common, the elusive whale shark and the giant bull shark are often spotted in the area. Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet. Temperatures hover in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year and provide for an exquisite diving experience.

Night Dives: Available on a limited basis from January to June.

Visibility: Excellent at Caño Island and varies from site to site but is usually no lower than 40ft and ranges to 100ft plus making it the best in mainland Costa Rica. Averages 60ft plus.

Temperature Range: High 70's to low 80's with thermoclines at varying depths.
For most people, a 2mm spring suit (shorty) will suffice as protection. If you tend to get cold a full 2mm or 3mm suit will almost always do the job. Our rental department stocks quality O'neill full 3mm suits.

Marine Life Encountered Around Caño Island: Abundant! Humpback, sei, pilot, and false killer whales, over five species of dolphin, white tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant pacific manta rays, mobula rays, southern sting rays, spotted eagle rays,  green sea turtles, snappers,  king angels, moorish idols, trumpetfish, scorpionfish,  various types of eels, spiney lobster, octopus, huge schools of barracuda, jacks, grunts, and much more.
As coral formations you wil find soft fans and hard coral formations but not as colorful or abundant as the Caribbean.

Currents: Usually mild but on some days can be strong.
Average Dive Depths: 45-65 ft (15-20m)

Departure Time for Caño Island Dives: 7:30am
Return Time: Around 2-3 pm. Both are approx times depending on hotel you are staying in.

Average Time to Reach Dive Sights: 45min - 1:30min, again depending on hotel you are staying in.

Sample of Caño Island Dive Sights:

El Bajo Del Diablo (The Devil's Pinnacle): Depths: 15-100 ft + (5-33m+)

 Located two kilometers from Caño island where there are big underwater pinnacles depth's of 130' reaching within 20' of the surface with large rock formations, canyons and valleys. On a good day, this site is by far the best site in the area and one of the best in the entire country. A huge area with many sub sites. Towering rock pinnacles rise from a depth of over 150ft to just under 20 ft. An incredible maze of peaks and valleys.  The best visibility, overall fish life and best place to encounter giant mantas. Snappers and amberjack reaching 70lb, swim along side great schools of barracuda, jacks, reef sharks and a large number of tropical fishes. Many species of eels can be found as well.  

Cueva Del Tiburon (Shark Cave) Avg. depth: 30-50ft (10-17m)

This small cave  is home to sharksand is located about ½ a kilometer from the ranger station. Although we do not dive into the cave due to park regulations, we will swim up close enough to view the sharks inside.  One can usually find 5 or 6 sleeping in the cave. Other inhabitants include angels, butterfly, damsels and parrotfish. Over five different types of eels can be found here as well as moorish idols, puffers, surgeonfish, and occasional mantas and stingrays. A very exciting but also good and easy dive. 

Los Arcos (The Arches):Avg depth: 30-55ft (10-18m)

Unique rock formations formed in the shape of arches. Swim through these towering underwater arches and see fish life similar to the Shark Cave due to its close proximity. Schools of grunts are very common.

El Barco Hundido (The Shipwreck):Avg Depth: 40-65ft (13-21m)

Nicknamed "El Sharko," for the vast number of sharks seen here.  Although there is no wreck, there are a variety of rock formations. Fish life is profuse and a great dive to encounter white tip reef sharks, giant stingrays (up to 6ft (2m) wide), and an occasional sea turtle.  This site also allows the observant diver a chance to view the well camouflaged rock scorpion fish! 
The Coral Gardens at Barco Hundido: A short swim southeast of El Barco will bring you to the areas' largest concentration of hard corals. This shallow dive of 15 to 30 feet (5-10m) allows long bottom times to explore the many fascinating reef creatures found here.

Paraiso (Paradise):  Avg. Depth: 60-70ft (20-23m)

Prolific fish life. Excellent site to view white tip reef sharks schooling. Also: Large schools of blue stripped snapper, barracuda, and  grunts. The occasional school of mobula manta rays can be found gliding by here as well . 
The Sharks' Lair at Paraiso:  About 50 meters from the main rocks at Paraiso, up to 20 white tip reef sharks can be often found resting under rock overhangs.  At times these sleek creatures will allow the calm diver a chance to swim within a few feet of where they are resting!

Campenario: Avg Depth 25-45 ft (8-15m)

Located near Corcovado National Park, this inshore site offers large numbers of rock pinnacles and larger numbers of fish species.  It also offers crevices, swim-throughs, small caves, and a beautiful array of fans.  Due to its proximity to the mainland, this site cannot be dived when there is a large swell or during the rainy season.

Other Information: 
The purchase of DAN (Divers Alert Network) Insurance is highly recommended prior to arriving in Costa Rica. Cost for basic coverage is inexpensive (around $35us) and is well worth the price if an unforeseen accident should occur.